In 1964, Truman High School opened its doors as the second high school in Independence.

Now, students, staff, alumni and the community are celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary.

“I think living in Harry Truman’s backyard, we take for granted the history that is here,” said Angie Zarrillo, Student Council Adviser at Truman. “Truman Patriots are some of the greatest people around, and it is all because they grew up in a place that is dedicated to its students and education. This is the time we should all come together as one community to celebrate the people we are and have become from being a part of Truman High School.”

The 50th anniversary celebration starts Oct. 4 and 5 during Truman High School’s Homecoming. There will be an alumni tent at the game with live music starting at 6 p.m. There will also be “Buck Stops Here” specials at the concession stand. The football game is at the Independence District Football Stadium, 1223 N. Noland Road. The game starts at 7 p.m.

At 10 a.m. Oct. 5, Truman High School will have its annual Homecoming Parade on the Independence Square. Zarrillo said Homecoming is actually an alumni event to begin with, so to have alumni come back to celebrate the high school’s milestone will be exciting.

“Like Harry Truman said, ‘It’s amazing what you can accomplish, if you do not care who gets the credit.’ We have all created this school together and this sense of Patriot pride over the last 50 years, so everyone should come share their love for red, white and blue,” she said. “Alumni can also be a part of our parade, if their class would like to coordinate a float, or walk in the parade or say if you were in a sport or a club, you could go get on that float with your fellow members of the group or sport.”

Zarrillo said Homecoming weekend is just the starting point of the anniversary activities. There is also the Hall of Fame ceremony at the school’s annual Pack the House game, and there will be additional events during Courtwarming week this winter. She said what she is looking forward to most about the homecoming activities is seeing the pride among Truman Patriots.

“We have had an overwhelming response to the shirt we have created for all students, families and alumni, and the love of the flier. I have had all ages of people contacting me, asking about it, and the coolest part is they all start their e-mail or conversation with their year they graduated, like they still have that Patriot pride and love for Truman,” Zarrillo said. “They sound so proud to be a part of Truman’s history, so I am just excited to see how many people come to see what successes we have over the years and who we are now.”

Page 2 of 2 - For more information about being in the parade, purchasing a T-shirt or about the anniversary celebration, contact Angie Zarrillo at angie_zarrillo@isdschools.org or call 816-521-5350.